Arc Flash is an electric current that is passed through
air when insulation or isolation between electrified
conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the
applied voltage. The flash is immediate, but the results
can cause severe injury. 2000 times a year, workers
are admitted to burn centers for extended injury treatment
caused by arc flash.
Both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) recognize that the arc flash hazard issue is
significant and have joined forces on an initiative
to fund and support research and testing to increase
the understanding of arc flash. The results of this
collaborative project will provide information that
will be used to improve electrical safety standards,
predict the hazards associated with arching faults and
accompanying arc blasts, and provide practical safeguards
for employees in the workplace.
The IEEE and NFPA are asking for support to help fund
the research needed. The combined effort to identify,
understand, and learn how to mitigate or protect employees
in the workplace against the potential “electrical
arc flash hazards” is estimated to cost $6-$7 million
(US)." See our list of Sponsor
Contributors.
Project update from 2008 IEEE/IAS Electrical Safety Workshop
